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DESERT
EXPRESS TRAIN NAMIBIA
We would
like to explain briefly why The Desert
Express Train should be a part of your
itinerary whilst on safari in Namibia.
The train may be taken on a one way
basis only, either from Windhoek to
Swakopmund, or vice versa. The train
was designed and built in Namibia and
it took 250 000 man hours over a period
of eighteen months to complete the construction
of the train. The work force consisted
of forty skilled artisans, three supervisors,
two technical superintendents and two
senior engineers. Where possible, Namibian
products and skills were used.
Desert Express was launched in April
1998 by the President of Namibia.
Namibia
is renowned for it's wide open spaces,
superb sunrises and sunsets. The Desert
Express train schedule has been specifically
designed to coincide with these. Desert
Express departs midday on Fridays and
Tuesdays from Windhoek Station and calls
at the luxurious Okapuka Game Ranch,
where passengers will witness lion feeds
close up. Upon returning to the train,
enjoy a sundowner in the relaxed atmosphere
of the "Spitzkoppe" lounge,
whilst watching the sun set over the
endless plains. Dinner is served in
the spacious Welwitschia restaurant
as the train makes its journey to overnight
at a quiet siding.
Early
the next morning, Desert Express departs
the siding and continues on its westbound
journey. The train will travel through
the Namib Desert, and finally, behind
the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis
Bay.It will stop for an hour, allowing
passengers to disembark and take a walk
on these truly unique dunes.
After this stop, the train will proceed
to it's final destination, the German
Colonial town of Swakopmund. Arrival
at Swakopmund will be at approximately
10:00.
On the
eastbound journey from Swakopmund, Desert
Express departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The train will stop at a siding in the
Khan Valley, where passengers are taken
on a guided tour. Once back on board
the Desert Express a superb three course
dinner is served. The next morning,
the train arrives at Okapuka Game Ranch
at 0800, where passengers are taken
on a game drive.
Arrive at Windhoek station at approximately
10:30.
The train
has twenty four compartments, each accommodatng
one, two or three passengers. The compartments
are fully air-conditioned and heated,
with en suite bathroom facilities. Passengers
have access to an elegant lounge, a
unique bistro bar and spacious restaurant
that will serve the best of Namibian
cuisine. Uniquely shaped large windows
throughout the train gives a feeling
of being part of the wide open spaces
whilst being on board
THE
TRAIN DEPARTURE TIMES
From Windhoek to Swakopmund on Fridays
and Tuesdays. The train departs Windhoek
at 14:00 during winter, and 15:00 during
summer months. Arrival at Swakopmund
station is the next day at approximately
10:00.
From Swakopmund
to Windhoek on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The train departs Swakopmund at 13:30
winter and summer arrival in Windhoek
is at approximately 10:30 the next morning.
Check
in times for the train, Windhoek and
Swakopmund, is thirty minutes prior
to departure. Dietary requirements are
catered for the dress code is casual
elegant in the restaurants on board
the train, on tours, comfortable clothing.
Children under twelve years are accepted
on board.
The Desert
Express Layout Rhino Power car and storage
Meerkat 6 compartments accommodation
coach
Springbok 6 compartments accommodation
coach
Oryx 6 compartment accommodation coach
Kokerboom 6 compartment accommodation
coach
Spitzkoppe lounge and bar
Welwitschia restaurant
Stardune bistro bar
Starview function\ conference venue
The nine coaches are permanently linked
via drawbar to minimise coupling and
for improved comfort.
The Desert
Express train , if included in your
Namibian tour, should ideally be either
at the end, or the start of your Namibian
Safari arrangements.
Please
contact us for further information,
availability and cost.
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